Santals’ eviction: Legal notice seeks explanation

A Supreme Court lawyer today sent a legal notice asking for an explanation from the administration under what authority they have carried out eviction process of Santals in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha on November 6.

In the notice, the authorities concerned have been requested to inform in writing in 24 hours on what steps have been taken against the perpetrators who were involved in looting valuables, setting fire to the houses and killing "innocent" villagers at Jaypur village of Gobindaganj.   

Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua served the legal notice on behalf of two Santal victims -- Olivia Hembrom, wife of Dijen Tudu, and Rumila Kisku, wife of Ganesh Murmu -- of Jaypur village, saying that they will initiate legal action against the respondents if they fail to comply with the notice in 24 hours.

Home secretary and industries secretary, inspector general of police, deputy commissioner of Gaibandha, deputy inspector general of police of Rangpur range, superintendent of police of Gaibandha, upazila nirbahi officer of Gobindaganj, officer-in-charge of Gobindaganj Police Station and manager of Mohimaganj Sugar Mill have been made respondents to the notice.